Fall camp, Day 2: Newcomers, including Potoa'e, making mark

I'm filling in for beat writer Todd Milles, who's covering golf at Chambers Bay today. Practice ended a little less than an hour ago and I wanted to get up some notes before I start writing my report.

-- For the second day in a row, coach Steve Sarkisian said he was impressed with freshman defensive tackle Sione Potoa'e.

"I feel like I saw Sione again," Sarkisian said. "He’s powerful enough that he shows up, you see him."

Sarkisian also singled out the play of cornerback Greg Ducre, linebacker Cooper Pelluer, linebacker Princeton Fuimaono and safety Sean Parker.

On the offense, Sarkisian liked what he saw from running back Chris Polk, who he believes might have stepped up his game because of the arrival of freshman tailback Deontae Cooper.
"I noticed Chris Polk showing up," he said, "and I think that’s because of Deontae’s presence."

-- Sarkisian liked what he saw on the field on the second day of practice when players wore helmets, jerseys and shorts. Players will put on shoulder pads for Wednesday's practice and be in full pads on Friday.

"I thought the intensity was really good today," he said. "The guys, in this format, after one day of just being in helmets, they start clamoring. They want to get the pads on. Traditionally, this day can be a little difficult."

Linebacker Mason Foster was sent to the sidelines late in the practice after he shoved a teammate during the team portion of practice. Sarkisian said Foster accepted responsibility for his actions and the coach said it gave him the opportunity to show the rest of the team that those actions will not be tolerated, even from a well-regarded senior.

-- The Huskies are tinkering with the defensive line and might adjust the starting rotation based on the offensive strengths of opponents.

"When we’re facing specific runs teams we might be bigger inside and bigger with Cameron (Elisara) at the end," Sarkisian said. "Depending on the type of style of team we play. We’re looking at different options so we’re prepared for it."